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Lamola hailed the occasion as a 'beacon of pan-Africanism'.
South Africa has for years prohibited the import of bananas from Tanzania. Picture: AFP
Tanzania has lifted a ban on imports of agricultural produce from Malawi and South Africa, days after imposing it in retaliation for similar measures imposed by the two southern African nations.
Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) director-general Joseph Ndunguru said that Tanzania was lifting the ban effective immediately to allow for “a diplomatic ministerial discussion”.
The three countries all belong to the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
South Africa’s international relations minister Ronald Lamola has welcomed Tanzania’s decision.
Lamola’s spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, said the resolution follows “constructive diplomatic engagement” between Lamola and his counterpart, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, underscoring the enduring strength of bilateral relations.
“The ministers agreed to facilitate the resolution of all outstanding issues,” Phiri said.
“In applauding the move, Lamola reaffirmed the value of dialogue, stating, ‘this outcome demonstrates that the diplomatic route remains the most effective path to resolving challenges. Together, we prove that cooperation and mutual understanding can unlock shared opportunities.’”
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Phiri said Lamola emphasized that the deep-rooted ties between South Africa and Tanzania and anchored in a spirit of African solidarity and a shared vision for mutual prosperity.
“Our nations are bound not only by history but by a collective commitment to advancing pan-Africanism, economic integration, and inclusive growth.”
Tanzania’s minister of agriculture, Hussein Bashe, last week on X (formally Twitter) warned that a trade ban was looming on South Africa and Malawi if they failed to lift restrictions against agricultural products from from Tanzania.
South Africa has for years prohibited the entry of bananas from Tanzania while Malawi last month blocked imports of flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize from its northern neighbour.
The lifting of the ban on imports of agricultural produce coincides with Tanzania’s 61st anniversary of unification — a historic milestone marked every 26 April.
Lamola hailed the occasion as a “beacon of pan-Africanism,” noting that Tanzania’s journey continues to inspire the continent.
“As South Africa prepares to commemorate our own National Freedom Day on 27 April, we draw strength from Tanzania’s example of unity in diversity. Their story reminds us that progress is born from solidarity and that our destinies as African nations are intertwined.”
Lamola expressed optimism for “deepened collaboration,” urging continued efforts to strengthen trade, people-to-people ties and regional integration.
“Let this decision be a stepping stone toward even greater collaboration, as we work together to realise the aspirations of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want,” Lamola said.
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